Ayala Museum

AYALA MUSEUM

The Ayala Museum is run privately by Ayala Foundation, Inc. This six-storey edifice houses ethnographic and archaeological exhibits on Filipino culture, art, and history. Since its establishment in 1967, the museum has been committed to showcasing overseas collections and situating contemporary Philippine art in the global arena in a two-way highway of mutual cooperation and exchange with local and international associates.

Envisioned during the 1950s by Philippine abstract painter Fernando Zóbel de Ayala y Montojo, as a museum of Philippine history and iconography, the Ayala Museum was built in 1967 as a project of the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (then known as the Filipinas Foundation, Inc). The museum moved to its new building designed by Leandro V. Locsin and partners, led by Leandro Y. Locsin, Jr. It was formally dedicated as the Ayala Corporation’s gift to the Filipino people on its 170th anniversary on September 28, 2004.

This gleaming museum features four floors of superbly curated exhibits on Filipino culture, art and history. At the heart of the collection is a brilliant exhibit consisting of 60 dioramas that succintly, yet effectively, trace the nation’s history, which kids will also love. The collection of pre-Hispanic gold jewellery and objects is another highlight with some exquisite pieces. The museum’s rotating art exhibits tend to showcase Filipino masters such as Luna and Amorsolo, and occassionally international shows such as Yayoi Kusama.

Guided tours (P100) of the museum are highly recommended; book one week in advance. Audioguides (P75) are also available.